A Comprehensive Review of Pharmacognostic Techniques for theIdentification and Standardization of Herbal Drugs

Abstract

The global resurgence in the use of herbal medicines underscores the need for rigorous scientific validation and standardization of plant-based products. Pharmacognosy, a critical discipline within pharmaceutical sciences, offers a systematic framework for the identification, authentication, and quality assessment of medicinal plants through morphological, anatomical, physicochemical, and phytochemical analyses. This review provides a comprehensive overview of classical and modern pharmacognostic techniques used in the standardization of herbal drugs. Initial macroscopic and organoleptic evaluations, followed by detailed microscopic analysis including powder and tissue microscopy, are foundational in determining authenticity. Physicochemical parameters such as ash values, extractive values, and moisture content play a vital role in detecting adulteration and ensuring quality. Advanced techniques such as chromatography (TLC, HPTLC, HPLC), spectroscopy (UV-Vis, FTIR, NMR), and DNA barcoding have significantly enhanced the precision of plant identification and metabolite profiling. The integration of molecular tools with traditional pharmacognostic practices further strengthens the quality control process, facilitating the development of standardized herbal formulations. Challenges such as regional variability, environmental influences, and lack of uniform global standards persist, yet emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, metabolomics, and portable diagnostic tools offer promising solutions. This review emphasizes the importance of combining multidisciplinary approaches to ensure the safety, efficacy, and reproducibility of herbal medicines, promoting their acceptance in mainstream healthcare systems worldwide.